Swords Local V6I10-DEC 2021

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Volume 6 Issue 10 - December 2021

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Pitman Training Swords North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin www.pitmantrainingswords.ie

Stay safe and Happy Christmas.

Dave Kavanagh Financial For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) Email: info@financialcompanion.ie | Web: financialcompanion.ie Phone: 087-6414570 or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram.

Our Team

Please stay safe and have a wonderful Christmas!

Local News

At the time of writing this we are in a period of increasing nnmbers of those suffering from Covid 19. It has been a long time since the pandemic began to dominate our everyday lives.

What the future holds for any of us no one knows, but what we do know is that we, as a people, are resilient, caring and kind and we will not let this awful disease spoil our lives. Things will improve if we work together to make them better. Christmas is coming and we will enjoy it with or loved ones and families even though we still have to be very careful . We must continue to practise constant handwashing, using the hand sanitisers, wearing masks when appropriate, social distancing and having our Covid Certs in order to keep ourselves and others safe. We all love to party especially at this time of year but we must be careful. We must protect our mental and physical health and when Christmas shopping, shop locally. We at Local magazines really appreciate and and love promoting local community based sporting, charitable and voluntary organisations. We value the loyalty of you, our readership, our contributors and our advertisers.

In the next couple of weeks we will be in the throes of Christmastime. Those days and the season ahead will be crucial to the survival of each and every one of us. Crucial to all of us workers, many of us again working from home, and especially to the survival of those of us who have health problems. This is the time of year when we are told to be charitable, show love and think of others. Let us do exactly that by adhering to the public health guidelines so that the smiles of our children, our grandchildren, friends and neighbours on Christmas day tells us that we have played our part and we are all healthy and happy. So, please let us stay safe, enjoy the season, check on our elderly and infirm relations, friends and neighbours and remember please continue to shop local !

Editor E. communitylocalseditor@gmail.com Advertising Sean Maguire T. 087 915 9052 E. seanmaguire@irishmediagroup.ie Production Tim Evans E. communitylocalsdesigner@gmail. com Contact us Swords Local Magazine Email: communitylocalseditor @gmail.com www.facebook.com/SwordsLocal Designated Pick up Points Supervalu, Pavilions JC’s, Swords Lidl, Rathbeale Road Applgreen, Malahide Rd., Swords Published by

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Have a safe, happy and wonderful Christmas!

The Locals Team

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Swords Local reserves the right to decline, suspend or omit any advertisement or article submitted. No liability can be accepted by Swords Local for any printing errors in advertisements or otherwise.

STRICT DEADLINE FOR JANUARY EDITION: 8th December for inclusion in our January edition.

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Local News

Riot Games announce global production boost from Swords

The news that Riot Games, the developer and publisher best known for League of Legends, has chosen a location in Swords for its new Remote Broadcast and Content Production Centre has been welcomed by Fingal County Council. Announcing that the new digital broadcast and production facilities will open in Airside Retail Park by January 2022, the decision by Riot Games to expand their operations means over 120 new jobs will be created locally. Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said: “This is a fantastic win for Fingal. It helps highlight the fact that we are well placed to attract international business and reaffirms our ambitions to provide sustainable economic growth and opportunities across the county. Our team have worked hard to secure this as a viable option for Riot Games as they look to expand their global esports capacity, so we are thrilled that they have chosen Swords as the first of three facilities that they will establish around the world as part of their follow-the-sun model.”

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SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2021

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Local News

THINKING OF SOME

HOME IMPROVEMENTS? WE ARE HERE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN FOR YOU!

“The Cove” at Maydenhayes Are you looking for more space for your family to live in? Would a top floor working space in your home make your life more productive?Would you love a better quality of life, living 5minutes from beautiful Mornington Bay Beach and its beautiful environs?If this has tweaked your interest, then prepare to be wowed by an exquisite new house in Maydenhayes Cove, Mornington, County Meath, a private enclave of 6 gorgeous new family homes at a very affordable/reasonable price. These new large 5-bedroom detached houses are laid out over 3 levels, maximising space for comfortable living; with a bespoke comfortable airy space at the top-floor level presenting the opportunity for a fantastic space to work from home.

Other features in these spacious A-rated homes include five comfortably sized bedrooms and family bathroom, generous ensuites, walk in wardrobes, an unusually spacious landing at first floor level, underfloor heating and high-quality sanitary fittings. On approach to the house, the stained glass in the front door sets the tone for a chique new house that manages to combine the cosy feeling of home with being comfortable, modern and on trend. The front door opens into a charming and stylish entrance hallway filled with a happy and homely personality that permeates the whole house.

The hall leads into a wonderful airy, spacious, and light-filled living/dining/ kitchen area featuring high ceilings at this level. Patio doors lead out into a generous garden with its favourable south westerly aspect to the rear.

The house also comprises a good-sized boot/laundry room kitted out with plenty of storage for buckets and spades… and also features a smart guest cloakroom.A visit to the show house is strongly recommended if only to see how efficient living and working in a spacious, tranquil and beautiful setting could be. The Maydenhayes Cove show house is on view each Saturday and Sunday between 2pm and 4pm and on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12pm and 4pm, or by private appointment – prospective purchasers can feel free to call to make an appointment and/or to get help with any questions.

Enquiries to: Pivotal Construction Limited (01) 4732473 Knight Frank New Homes (01) 6342466 or Sherry Properties (041) 9841149

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Local News

Irish Army/United Nations hero from Fingal remembered

Councillor Darragh Butler, Eilish Monaghan (Cousin), Councillor Brigid Manton and Councillor Cathal Boland attended the unveiling of a plaque on Sunday 7th November 2021 at Prosper Fingal School, Swords to honour Pte. Matthew Farrell

Councillor Darragh Butler, Eilish Monaghan (Cousin), Councillor Brigid Manton and Councillor Cathal Boland attended the unveiling of a plaque on Sunday 7th November 2021 at Prosper Fingal School, Swords to honour Pte. Matthew Farrell who lost his life in the service of peace at Niemba, Congo on 8th November 1960.

Prosper Fingal School, Swords.

In 1960, a civil war broke out in the former Belgian Congo. The United Nations intervened

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SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2021

and an international force of army peacekeepers were sent there. This force included a contingent of Irish Army troops. On 8 November 1960, a patrol consisting of 11 members of the 33rd Battalion of the Irish Army, was ambushed by the local secessionist Baluba tribesmen. 8 of the patrol were killed, some clubbed to death and three survived by hiding in the bush. 1 was killed the following day, and 2 survivors were found later that day. Those who died at the spot were:

Lt Kevin Gleeson from Terenure; Sgt Hugh Gaynor, Leixlip; Cpl Peter Kelly, Templeogue; Cpl Liam Dougan, Cabra; Pte Matthew Farrell from Swords; Pte Thomas Fennel, Donnycarney; Pte Gerard Killeen, Rathmines and Pte Michael McGuinn from Carlow were posthumously awarded medals in 1998.The two survivors were Trooper Thomas Kenny and Private Joseph Fitzpatrick.

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Local News

The Dove documentary - The Story of Colmcille In Dublin

To celebrate the 1500 year anniversary of the birth of one of Ireland’s most prolific saints - St Colmcille, Fingal County Council in association with Creative Ireland have launched a documentary series about the life of the saint and his connection with the Swords area. The four part video series explores the tales of ‘The Dove’ where presenter Pamela Finn met with renowned archeologist and historian Dr. Brian Lacey to discuss Saint Colmcille and his legacy. Mayor of Fingal Cllr Seána Ó Rodaigh commented: “St Colmcille has a very important role in the foundation and history of Fingal’s county town of Swords and I welcome the Council’s support for this wonderful documentary series ‘The Dove - The Story of Colmcille In Dublin’

being launched to mark his 1500 anniversary. I am very enthusiastic about viewing the videos myself and I am sure they will be of huge interest and provide a fantastic insight into the life and legend of Colmcille.” Emer O’Gorman, Director of Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development said: “The importance of recording Fingal’s culture and heritage for future generations cannot be underestimated. Dr. Lacey brings viewers on a journey learning about the saints life, how his christian name originated into ‘Dove of the Church’. The documentary series also explores the legendary story of the historical battle that took place after Colmcille and St Finian’s copyright judgement which led to the saying “To every cow belongs her calf, therefore to

every book belongs its copy.” Colmcille founded the Black Abbey at Derry and monasteries at Kells in Meath, Durrow in Offaly and Swords in Dublin, among others. Evidence of the sixth century ecclesiastical settlement in Swords still exists, centred on St. Columba’s Church of Ireland Church on Church Road. In this documentary , filmed in the Swords area, we learn how monastery led to the development of the town. Dr Lacey also talks about how the relic of Colmcille was used as a spiritual weapon by the O Donnell Clan in a battle where it received it name ‘The Battle Book. ’ The documentary is available to watch on from November 15th on Fingal County Council’s social media pages, website , YouTube and on prpam.ie

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Local News

Cllr Butler welcomes postove news on MetroLink Cllr Darragh Butler said recently that, “ MetroLink has been in the news quite a lot in recent days and weeks and unlike the national media and many other commentators, I would like to take the positives out of what was announced. The good news is that the planning application should go in next year, 2022, better late than never and depending on permission being granted, if work could then potentially start by 2025 with a delivery as early as 2031, that would be as good as we could hope for at this stage and I’d do cartwheels down Swords Main Street if this could be delivered as media reports back in October were saying 2034 or later. The positive news is that MetroLink remains a committed part of the National Development Plan and I will continue to work as hard as I can to get this project back on track and delivered as soon as possible. In terms of COP26 and getting to net zero carbon omissions and achieving the 1.5C temperature goal set, MetroLink and other large scale transport projects are vital as part of these solutions, to get traffic off our roads and to make public transport more attractive to commuters.”

Swords Tidy Towns had a very successful year!

It has been a very busy and fruitful 2021 for Swords Tidy Towns considering the country is going through a major pandemic. We worked on and completed our Frontline Workers Commemorative Garden. We linked up with both Fingal and Swords Community Colleges to accommodate 23 of their TY students each Saturday for a 20-week period. We were finalists in this year’s Pakman National Awards, our mural on the Brackenstown Road is on its way to completion. Swords Tidy Towns linked up with the Swords Woodland Association on a 3000tree planting project. The Rock Garden on the 8

SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2021

Rathbeale Road which is a collaboration between ourselves and Fingal County Council achieved yet another Green Flag Award. The icing on the cake for us was winning yet again a Silver Medal in the National Tidy Towns Competition making it four in a row, maybe Gold next year, fingers crossed.Swords Tidy Towns are very grateful for all the financial support received through the year from local business, without whose generosity we would have had to cut back on our projects.

Thanks must also go to Fingal County Council and the various Dept Heads who have worked

with us and who have provided us with their expertise when needed. A big thanks to our local Public Representatives for always being there for us. Finally, to you the wonderful Joe Public who have at all times been complimentary to our members when out working on our streets and for doing the same on our Facebook and Twitter pages. It is the support we get from all of you that feeds us, uplifts us and empowers us to do better things. To all the aforementioned, the volunteers of Swords Tidy Towns wish you all A Very Happy Covid Free Christmas and New Year.

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10/11/2020 11:58

Local News

Have your say on Aircraft noise at new runway!

The Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) is holding a 14-week public consultation on its draft recommendations regarding DAAs application to amend aircraft operating restrictions at Dublin Airport when the new north runway opens.The public consultation will inform ANCA’s final direction to the Planning Authority before it rules on daa’s application next year. ANCA’s recommendations are: (a) Introduce a Noise Abatement Objective for Dublin Airport - the first of its kind in Ireland – as a long-term plan to ensure best management of aircraft noise at the Airport. This will serve to dramatically reduce the long-term impact of aircraft noise by 30% by 2030, 40% by 2035 and 50% by 2040, compared to 2019 aircraft noise levels. They also plan to make three new conditions: (1) Noise Quota System – or noise budget - for night-time operations at Dublin Airport between 11pm and 7am; including a restriction on very loud aircraft flying at night. (2) Restrict flights on the new north runway between midnight and 6am (00:00 – 05:59). and (3) Provide a new Residential Sound Insulation Grant Scheme of up to €20k for residents most affected by night-time noise from Dublin Airport. The ANCA team will hold webinars and be available to engage with stakeholders during the consultation period which is running from 11th November 2021 to 28th February 2022.. ANCA has recorded a short video on the public consultation available at youtu.be/IZD2DeRidkE and registration has now opened for the first of a series of evening webinars where the public will have the opportunity to put their questions to the project team

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Finance

How to make Christmas financially manageable

By Dave Kavanagh Although it may be too late for some people, there are a few things that can be done to make the festive season less of a financial burden.

Manage expectations: Most people can’t remember what they got 2 years ago, so don’t put yourself under too much pressure for “big” presents. Leave the credit card at home: At about 20% interest, adding debt for things you don’t need to overspend on, only starts the new year off in a negative. Be realistic with food shopping: The shops are only closed for 1-2 days, do you really need so much? In the days/weeks after Christmas, make a list of all the things you bought but didn’t really need or through out, and keep it for next year. Kris Kindle: Talk to family and close friends to agree to pick one person and buy them a present for a set limit, to ease the burden.

Other things you can do all year round that can save you enough to cover the cost of Christmas: Switch utility providers, the savings can be quite substantial. Compare before you shop for larger items: Just because one store has a sign saying the fridge you want is reduced from €900 to €800, doesn’t mean that another store that does not have a sale on, isn’t selling the same fridge for €750. Take the time to shop around when your car or house insurance renewals come in, it can be well worth the effort. Review premiums that

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you pay regularly, such as mortgage protection or life cover, especially if they were taken out directly with a bank who could not compare. Finally, go through a few months’ bank statements: we regularly find people paying for things that should have been cancelled years before.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion. ie or phone 087-6414570, or @Davekav_ advice on Twitter and Instagram.

Combined with his previous role of gym/ nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM and TV3.

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Feature

Lets still make it - ‘A Season to be jolly ‘ !

by Siobhan O Neill White Tis the season to be jolly…..but after the last 22 months we can be forgiven if we’re not quite so jolly this year. Many of us are hesitant about socialising too much so we’ve to come up with some ideas for fun things to do at home!Board games may sound old fashioned but once you gather around and pull out a game, it can be great fun. We love the usual games like Trivial Pursuit and Monopoly but this year, we’ve added some new ones from cool Irish company Neverboard. ie They have adult games, kids games and ones for teens. We’ve been having good craic with Cards Against Humanity and Ticket To Ride.Baking is

a fantastic way to spend a winter afternoon with kids. We got a cake mixer from Nisbets at the Ilac Shopping Centre and it’s been such a good investment Baking is an activity our children always want to get involved with and the results are deliciously rewarding! As for cooking, a good casserole dish and quality cookware are just the motivation needed to try new recipes. Each week a member of our family takes a turn to pick a recipe from our cookbooks. As we are home more often nowadays, finding new recipes to cook has kept dinner time interesting! No doubt there will be some rainy days over Christmas break so now is a good time to pick up some crafty materials.

The Works is a brilliant shop for art supplies,

craft sets, puzzle books and games. I picked up a word search puzzle book for our 10 year old and she has been getting great mileage out of it. It was under a fiver too, so great value and lots of quiet time for her (and us!) There is something nice about having a pajama day, throw in some hot chocolate and a movie and everyone is happy. Bronagh chocolates from Co Kerry make yummy stir in hot chocolate sticks. They even come with marshmallows on the sticks! Yummy and easy to make.Most of all, whatever you do and wherever you go, please take care and be safe. For competitions activity ideas and recipes, go to mams.ie free parenting website. Happy Christmas, Siobhán.

ALL CONTRIBUTORS PLEASE NOTE** Due to increasing demand for space in our magazine could all contributors please note OUR STRICT DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES AND PICS IS THE 16TH OF THE MONTH PRIOR TO PUBLICATION ** Thank you.

CommunityLocals.ie 12

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Fitness

Sleep is the magical pill everyone wants, but no one utilises

Ciaran Russell What is sleep? Sleep is a recurring state of relaxation that is characterized by an altered state of consciousness, inhibited sensory activity, muscular inhibition, and severely reduced interaction with outside entities. This state alternates between REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, during which dreams occur, and non-REM sleep. While in REM sleep the mind dreams and the body experiences a state of near paralysis that keeps a person from physically acting on dream stimulus (this is called sleep paralysis). Sleep itself is a state in which the body builds up and restores the immune, nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems. Source: alleydog.com.Sleep plays a very important role in many aspects of daily life.

Without it we become irritable, have an increased

appetite, higher stress levels, are susceptible to illness and much more. All of which, over time, can have a major impact on physical health, mental health and relationships. The benefits are widely known and very well studied over many years, but here are some practical tips to help improve the quality of your sleep.Firstly reduce your screen usage for at least an hour before going to bed. The screens we so regularly use; phones, tablets, laptops, tv’s all emit blue light, which suppresses melatonin production in the brain.

Melatonin is the hormone partly responsible for maintaining the sleep/wake cycle.The next practical tip is to leave your phone outside your bedroom. .It is well reported that people should be sleeping between 7-9 hours per night. However it’s just as important that sleep and wake times are consistent across the whole week, including the

weekend. Caffeine is a mainstay in most people’s morning ritual but too much caffeine later in the day can have a big impact on the quality of sleep.

This tip follows on from number one, find yourself a night time routine.The last tip is; upon waking in the morning time, get as much light as possible.

This is also linked back to the sleep/wake cycle mentioned earlier. Ideally you go outside to get some natural light but that is very hard during the winter months. The next best thing would be to turn on all the lights in the house to get as much light as you can until early afternoon.Improve your sleep, improve your health.If you’re interested in learning more about sleep, I highly recommend the book; Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker.I will be running a FREE Active Start Challenge in January. To join the waiting list, scan the QR code in the image.

Community organisations -We are here for you and it’s free!

Calling all community and voluntary groups in this area! We are here to facilitate you and help publicise your organisations. We are a community based magazine therefore there will be no charge for publicising your group, whether its a chess club or small pastime group, a support group or a big community or sporting organisation. So if you want to publicise your organisation every month just send us an email to communitylocalseditor@gmail.com..We look forward to hearing from you.

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SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2021

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Local News

Further recognition as Fingal receives Green Flag Awards

The Rock Garden in Swords

Fingal County Council has welcomed the news that as well as maintaining the much-coveted Green Flag Award at six locations across Fingal, the hard work undertaken at Santry Community Garden has also been recognised after picking up a Community Award..Green Flag Awards are the benchmark international standard for publicly accessible parks and green spaces around the world. This year, around 2,300 public sites in 16 countries achieved Green Flag or Green Flag Community Award status. Those Fingal sites to retain Green Flag status in 2021 are: Ardgillan Demesne, Malahide Demesne, Millennium Park in Blanchardstown, Newbridge House and Farm, Santry Demesne and St Catherine’s Park. In addition to Santry Community Garden, The Rock Garden in Swords also received a

Community Award, the second year in a row it has managed to achieve the accolade. These Awards are acknowledgment of the efforts made by local community groups to improve a community green space.Raising a Green Flag at Malahide Castle, Minister of State for Community Development and Charities Joe O’Brien thanked park staff and community volunteers for their hard work in securing the awards.Praising the achievements, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Seána Ó Rodaigh said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Fingal has received increased recognition for the number of locations that manage to exceed tough environmental standards in green space management, and excellence of visitor attractions.

Lusk to Host Internatonal Ballroom & Latin Dance Classic Dancesport Ireland proudly presents the International Ballroom & Latin Classic to be held at Lusk Community Sports Facility, Lusk N.S. on Sunday 5th December. The event will be a spectacular display of ballroom and latin dance with some of the best dancers from Ireland, England and abroad. Dancing will commence from 11am, with the main events, including the International Ballroom & Latin team match between Ireland and England scheduled from 2.30pm. Dancesport Ireland look forward to seeing you there.

Queries to events@dancesportireland.org.This event is supported by Fingal County Council.This event is being run in line with government guidelines.

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SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2021

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Local News

Swords Tennis Club gains Bronze Clubmark Award

Swords Tennis Club Committee and Tennis Ireland President Shane Cooke.

Stephen Girvin Swords Chair presents a club T shirt to Tennis Ireland President Shane Cooke.

An Aerial view of Swords Tennis Club

With all sport back in action, Swords Tennis Club has celebrated a return to the courts by being presented with a Tennis Ireland Bronze Clubmark Award. The Award aims to identify, develop, accredit and recognise high quality tennis clubs in Ireland and their contribution to the development of tennis in Ireland. Mayor of Fingal Cllr Seána Ó Rodaigh commented: “I would like to say a huge Comhghairdeas ó chroí libh to Swords Tennis Club on the Tennis Ireland Bronze Clubmark Award. The club committee and volunteers have put in a lot of time and hard work over the past number of months and years and this award celebrates that passion and dedication.”Presenting the Award, Shane Cook, President of Tennis Ireland said: “It was a great pleasure to present Swords Tennis Club with this accolade. Their enthusiasm and energy is infectious and shows how much the Club strives to be the best in its field.” Swords Tennis Club Chairperson Stephen Girvin commented: “What we thought might be an arduous task turned into one of the most rewarding club experiences. The process of putting together the requirements for the award, many of which we already had and guarded by former committee members, gave us a growing confidence in the way we were running the club.” Swords now takes its place amongst the other Tennis Ireland Clubmark accredited Fingal Tennis Clubs including Portmarnock Tennis Club, Donabate Portrane Tennis Club, Castleknock LTC, Sutton LTC, and Grove LTC. Tennis is a sport for life so if you are thinking of giving it a try, get in touch with the Fingal Tennis Development Officer to find out how you can get involved in your local area, Contact:tara. rdo@tennisireland.ie

Swords Local Magazine NEEDS YOU!

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

PHOTOGRAPHERS , LOCAL WRITERS, LOCAL REPORTERS NEEDED!!

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Healt

hy

Home Cook Recipes

Nuttily Nutritious Christmas Pudding!!

“This is a tasty twist on the traditional Christmas pudding. It is packed full of ‘nuttylicious’ nutrition and because it is quite rich and decadent, you will find yourself feeling satisfied after 1 slice!

Don’t forget to be active over the festive season too, whether it’s dancing, walking, running or ice-skating that floats your boat, be sure to fit in the fitness as much as the food!

Nuttily nutritious Christmas pudding!!

Ingredients:

Makes 8x100g servings

• 200g Almonds • 100g Pecan nuts • 100g Dates • 100g Sultanas • 80g Dried figs • 150g almond butter (or just use

whatever nut butter you have, better if it is smooth) • 30g honey • 50g cocoa powder • Juice of 1 large orange • 100g dark chocolate Tip: for some added festive flavour add 1 teaspoon of each of the following spices to the dried fruit mixture to soak in overnight with the orange juice: cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.

Method 1.Soak the dried fruit (dates, sultanas and figs) overnight in the juice from the squeezed orange.

2. Blitz the nuts using a powerful blender/bullet until all nuts are in a fine mixture.

3.Blitz the dried fruit in a food processor/blender and add into a

mixing bowl with the nut mix.

4.Add the almond butter, cocoa powder and honey into the dried fruit/ nut mixture in the bowl and mix to combine all of the ingredients together.

5.Place the mixture into a dome shaped container/mould and leave in the fridge for 3 hours.

6.Before serving, melt the dark chocolate. Turn the mould upside down on your serving plate and gently tap the top and sides in order to ease the pudding out. Then pour the melted chocolate all over the top and sides.

Wishing you all a magical, merry Christmas and a fabulous, fun new year!

Please follow ‘Biabites’ on Facebook for other food ideas especially in the ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums. Please follow @BiaBites on twitter.

For nutrition talks/workshops at events or in schools/workplaces/community groups= please email: arthursniamh@gmail.com Niamh Arthurs BSc, MSc Registered Dietitian and Researcher

Local Sports

Fingallians are the Dublin Intermediate Hurling Champions

Congratulations to the Fingallians Hurlers and Mentors on beating Erins Isle to win the Dublin Go Ahead Intermediate Hurling Championship recently with a scoreline of 1-18 to 0-10 points. It was an absolutely fantastic display of hurling throughout the game and it goes to show that all the hard work and early morning training sessions have paid off.

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WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!!

This is easy… we are offering you the chance to win €50. All you have to do is correctly fill in the crossword and discover the name of an area in Fingal spelt out in the coloured squares. Then send the completed crossword and your answer by email, with your name, address and telephone number to communitylocals@ gmail.com before 5pm on December 8. The first correct entry to be drawnwill win €50..Good luck

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SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2021

Down

1. A place of refuge from danger or hardship. (6) 5. A poor densely populated city district. (6) 10. Landlocked Central European country. (7) 11. Even more absurd. (7) 12. A metal piece of money. (4) 13. North and South country. (5) 15. Oven for a potter. (4) 17. A short day to be married. (3) 19. Substance which separates milk into solids and liquids. (6) 21. Great birds of prey. (6) 22. Quickly, speedily. (7) 23. Woven container with handles.

(6) 25. Lacking physical strength or vitality. (6) 28. A state of matter. (3) 30. Dry like a desert. (4) 31. Slippers with no fitting around the heel. (5) 32. Popular Indonesian island. (4) 35. Just the place for sport and concerts. (7) 36. Trace the shape, as of bodies at crime scenes. (7) 37. No longer frozen solid. (6) 38. Change for the worse. (6)

2. A meeting of musicians. (7) 3. Boisterous songbird. (4) 4. A field where grass is grown to be made into hay. (6) 5. Breathed noisily, as if exhausted.

(6) 6. Long fish. (4) 7. A pursuit of little importance. (7) 8. Craned at the performer. (6) 9. Swimwear for men. (6) 14. A performance of music especially by a soloist. (7) 16. A cap for the French. (5) 18. A hen kept for her eggs. (5) 20. A cheap and vulgar item. (3) 21. A mischievous fairy. (3) 23. Slowly cook food with a small amount of liquid in a tightly covered pan. (6) 24. Vegetable mistakenly known for iron content. (7) 26. The sort of exercise that sets you up for the day. (7) 27. Expelled from your own country.

(6) 28. Treated with adhesive, like an envelope. (6) 29. A good with faults, usually sold at a reduced price. (6) 33. A personal belief not based on proof. (4) 34. Flower supporter. (4)

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20 SWORDS LOCAL-DECEMBER 2021

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